Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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TITLE OF THE DISCLOSURE
BRACKET WITH FRONT OPENING AND ORTHODONTIC
BRACKET SYSTEM WITH INTER-BRACKET ADJOINING MECHANISM
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority on United States Provisional Patent
Application Serial Number 60/308,226 filed on February 25, 2010 and
incorporated
by reference herein in its entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure relates to orthodontic brackets. More
specifically but not exclusively, a bracket with front opening and orthodontic
bracket
system with inter-bracket adjoining mechanism.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Orthodontic brackets and systems such are devices used in the
orthodontic industry in order to align and straighten teeth and help to
position them
with regard to the bite of the patient. They are often used to correct under
bites, as
well as, malocclusions, overbites, cross bites, open bites, deep bites,
crooked teeth,
and various other flaws of the teeth and jaw. These systems include brackets
each
having a base secured to the face of a tooth and an arch wire mounted to these
brackets for adding pressure thereto. The arch wire can be anchored to a tooth
via a
set screw which is periodically adjusted for greater tension or lesser tension
to be
applied to this wire.
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[0004] Teeth are caused to move when the arch wire puts pressure on the
brackets and thereby the teeth. When this occurs, the periodontal membrane
stretches on one side and is compressed on the other thereby loosening the
tooth
and then new bone grows in to support the tooth in its new position This
movement
is done slowly so as not to completely disconnect the tooth from the jaw and
as such
orthodontic treatments are performed over a long period with periodic
adjustments. A
tooth will usually move about a millimeter per month during orthodontic
movement,
but there is high individual variability. Orthodontic mechanics can vary in
efficiency,
and hence, there is wide range of response to orthodontic treatment.
[0005] There thus remains a need for improved brackets and orthodontic
systems to provide more efficient treatments.
OBJECTS OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0006] An object of the present disclosure is to provide an orthodontic
bracket.
[0007] An object of the present disclosure is to provide an orthodontic
bracket system.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0008] Aspects of the disclosure will now be disclosed hereunder.
[0009] In accordance with aspect of the present disclosure there is
provided an orthodontic bracket for an orthodontic system comprising:
[0010] a rear base for being mounted to a tooth; and
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[0011] first and second portions extending from the rear base and being
spaced apart thereby providing a slot therebetween for positioning an arch
wire
therein and defining a front opening for receiving the arch wire into the
slot, at least
one of the first and second portions comprising an adjustable tightening
element for
engaging the arch wire,
[0012] wherein adjustment of the tightening element provides for
increasing or decreasing tension against the arch wire within the slot.
[0013] In accordance with aspect of the present disclosure there is
provided an orthodontic bracket for an orthodontic system comprising:
[0014] a rear base defining a rear face for being mounted to a tooth; and
[0015] first and second portions extending from the rear base and
providing a slot therebetween for positioning an arch wire therein and
defining a
front face having at least one opening being contiguous with a rear opening
formed
in the rear face,
[0016] wherein injecting an adhesive substance within the one opening
provides for applying the adhesive substance between the rear base and the
tooth
via said rear opening.
[0017] In embodiment, the first and second portions are spaced apart
thereby providing said slot therebetween. In an embodiment, the front face
further
comprises a front opening for receiving the arch wire into the slot.
[0018] In accordance with aspect of the present disclosure there is
provided an orthodontic bracket for an orthodontic system comprising:
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[0019] a rear base for being mounted to a tooth; and
[0020] first and second portions extending from the rear base and being
spaced apart thereby providing a slot therebetween for positioning an arch
wire
therein and defining a front opening for receiving the arch wire into the
slot.
[0021] In an embodiment, the bracket further comprises lateral sides
comprising openings being contiguous with the slot thereby providing for the
arch
wire to extend therethrough. In an embodiment, an insert is mountable to a
lateral
side opening for decreasing the width thereof.
[0022] In accordance with aspect of the present disclosure there is
provided an orthodontic bracket system comprising:
[0023] a plurality of brackets for being mounted to the teeth of a patient;
and
[0024] at least one inter-bracket adjoining assembly mounted to a pair of
adjacent brackets and interposed therebetween,
[0025] wherein the length of said inter-bracket adjoining assembly is
modifiable so as to correspondingly modify the distance between the pair of
adjacent
brackets.
[0026] In an embodiment, the inter-bracket adjoining assembly comprises
a pair of separate adjoining elements. In an embodiment, each separate
adjoining
element comprises a respective mounting element for being mounted to one of
the
pair of brackets. In an embodiment, the bracket comprises lateral sides
configured
to receive a the mounting element. In an embodiment, movement of one of the
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mounting members mounted to the bracket provides for modifying the length of
the
inter-bracket adjoining assembly. In an embodiment, the inter-bracket
adjoining
assembly comprises a pair of coils, each coil being secured to a respective
one of
said pair of adjacent brackets. In an embodiment, the coils are intertwined.
In
5 embodiment, movement of one coil in a first direction provides for moving it
into the
other coild thereby decreasing the length of the inter-bracket adjoining
assembly,
wherein movement of the coil in a second direction provides for moving it
outwardly
of the other coil thereby increasing the length of the inter-bracket adjoining
assembly.
[0027] In accordance with aspect of the present disclosure there is
provided an orthodontic bracket system comprising:
[0028] a plurality of brackets for being mounted to the teeth of a patient;
and
[0029] at least one inter-bracket adjoining assembly comprising a flexible
and resilient element and being mounted to a pair of adjacent brackets and
interposed therebetween,
[0030] wherein the resilient element is so compressible or extendable as
to correspondingly modify the distance between said pair of adjacent brackets.
[0031] In an embodiment, the flexible and resilient member comprises a
coil being secured to a respective one of the pair of adjacent brackets. In an
embodiment, movement of the coil in a first direction compresses it providing
a
compression and movement of the coil in a second direction provides for
extending
the coil.
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[0032] In accordance with aspect of the present disclosure there is
provided an orthodontic bracket system comprising:
[0033] a rear base for being mounted to a tooth;
[0034] first and second portions extending from the rear base and being
spaced apart thereby providing a slot therebetween and defining a front
opening
leading to the slot; and
[0035] an arch wire comprising indented portions thereof for being
positioned within the slot via the front opening.
[0036] In an embodiment, the arch wire comprises outward portions
alternating with the indented portions along the length thereof, the outward
portions
being provided to follow the dental arcade when mounted to the teeth of the
user. In
an embodiment, the bracket further comprises lateral sides comprising openings
for
providing the arch wire to extend therefrom. In an embodiment, at least one
insert is
provided for being inserted in a given said bracket thereby decreasing the
width of
said lateral side opening.
[0037] In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, there is
provided a kit comprising any one of the brackets disclosed herein.
[0038] In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, there is
provided a kit comprising any one of the orthodontic bracket assemblies
disclosed
herein.
[0039] In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, there is
provided a method of treating the dental bite of a human patient by applying
to the
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teeth of the human patient any of the orthodontic bracket systems disclosed
herein.
[0040] Other objects, advantages and features of the present
disclosurewill become more apparent upon reading of the following non-
restrictive
description of non-limiting illustrative embodiments thereof, given by way of
example
only with reference to the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0041] In the appended drawings, where like reference numerals denote
like elements throughout and in where:
[0042] Figure 1 is a left top perspective view of an orthodontic bracket in
accordance with a non-restrictive illustrative embodiment of the present
disclosure;
[0043] Figure 1A is an enlarged version of Figure 1;
[0044] Figure 2 is a right perspective view of the orthodontic bracket of
Figure 1;
[0045] Figure 2A is an enlarged view of Figure 2;
[0046] Figure 3 is lateral side view of the orthodontic bracket of Figure 1;
[0047] Figure 4 is a front elevational view of the orthodontic bracket of
Figure 1;
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[0048] Figure 5 is a right perspective view of the orthodontic bracket of
Figure 1 mounted to a pair of coils of an inter-bracket adjoining system in
accordance with a non-restrictive illustrative embodiment of the present
disclosure;
[0049] Figure 5A is a front view of the set screw of orthodontic bracket of
Figure 1;
[0050] Figure 6 is a rear perspective view of immobile coil of the inter-
bracket adjoining assembly of Figure 5;
[0051] Figure 7 is a rear perspective view of mobile coil of the inter-
bracket adjoining assembly of Figure 5;
[0052] Figure 8 is a front elevational view of a pair of adjoined brackets
orthodontic brackets of Figure 1 with the inter-bracket adjoining assembly of
Figure 5
defining an orthodontic bracket system;
[0053] Figure 8A is a front elevational view of an orthodontic bracket
system in accordance with another non-restrictive illustrative embodiment of
the
present disclosure;
[0054] Figure 9 is a left top perspective view of the orthodontic bracket of
Figure 1 with a locking insert in accordance with a non-restrictive
illustrative
embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0055] Figure 10 is a right perspective view of an orthodontic bracket
system including orthodontic brackets and an orthodontic inter-bracket
adjoining
assembly mounted to the teeth of a subject in accordance with another non-
restrictive illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure;
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[0056] Figure 11 is a front perspective view of the orthodontic bracket
system of Figure 10;
[0057] Figures 12, 14, 15 and 16 are respective lateral views of an
orthodontic bracket in accordance with non-restrictive illustrative
embodiments of the
present disclosure being mounted to a tooth;
[0058] Figure 13 is a right perspective view of an orthodontic bracket
system including a plurality of the brackets of Figure 12 mounted to teeth and
a
bracket adjoining mechanism in accordance with yet a further non-restrictive
illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0059] Figure 17 is a top perspective view of an orthodontic bracket
system including a plurality of the brackets with an arch wire mounted thereto
in
accordance with still a further non-restrictive illustrative embodiment of the
present
disclosure;
[0060] Figure 17A is an is an enlarge view of a portion of Figure 17;
[0061] Figure 18 is a sectional view taken along line A-A of Figure 17;
[0062] Figure 19 is a sectional view taken along line B-B of Figure 17;
[0063] Figure 20 is a top plan view of the arch wire of the orthodontic
bracket system of Figure 17 thereto in accordance with a non-restrictive
illustrative
embodiment of the present disclosure;
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[0064] Figures 21 and 22 are respective top and bottom perspective views
of a bracket insert for the brackets of the orthodontic bracket system of
Figure 17
accordance with a non-restrictive illustrative embodiment of the present
disclosure;
[0065] Figure 23 is a front perspective view of an orthodontic bracket in
5 accordance with another non-restrictive illustrative embodiment of the
present
disclosure;
[0066] Figure 24 is a rear perspective view of the orthodontic bracket of
Figure 23;
[0067] Figure 25 is a top plan view of the orthodontic bracket of Figure 23;
10 and
[0068] Figure 26 is a left perspective view of an orthodontic bracket
system including orthodontic brackets and an orthodontic inter-bracket
adjoining
assembly mounted to the teeth of a subject in accordance with still another
non-
restrictive illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS
[0069] Generally stated, in a non-exclusive embodiment thereof, the
present disclosure provides an orthodontic bracket for an orthodontic system
comprising a rear base for being mounted to a tooth and first and second
portions
extending from the rear base and being spaced apart thereby providing a slot
therebetween and defining a front opening. The slot provides for positioning
an arch
wire therein and the front opening provides for receiving the arch wire into
the slot.
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[0070] In one embodiment, at least one of the first and second portions
comprises an adjustable tightening element for engaging the arch wire.
Adjustment
of the tightening element provides for increasing or decreasing tension
against the
arch wire within the slot.
[0071] In another embodiment, the bracket lateral sides are open to allow
the arch wire to extend therethrough and insert can decrease the width of the
lateral
side openings.
[0072] Generally stated, in a non-exclusive embodiment thereof, the
present disclosure provides an orthodontic bracket for dental braces
comprising a
rear base defining a rear face for being mounted to a tooth with first and
second
portions extending therefrom. The first and second portion provide a slot
therebetween for positioning an arch wire therein and define a front face
having at
least one opening being contiguous with a rear opening formed in the rear
face.
Injecting an adhesive substance within the at least one opening provides for
applying
the adhesive substance between the rear base and the tooth via the rear
opening.
In yet another non-exclusive embodiment thereof, the present disclosure
provides an
orthodontic bracket for an orthodontic system comprising a rear base for being
mounted to a tooth and first and second portions extending from this rear base
and
being spaced apart thereby providing a slot therebetween. The slot provides
for
positioning an arch wire therein. The spaced apart portions define a front
opening
for receiving the arch wire into the slot.
[0073] Generally stated, in a non-exclusive embodiment thereof, the
present disclosure provides for an orthodontic bracket including a plurality
of
brackets having a bracket adjoining mechanism mounted thereto. The bracket
adjoining mechanism includes a plurality of inter-bracket adjoining assemblies
positioned between a pair of adjacent brackets. An inter-bracket adjoining
assembly
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comprises a pair of intertwined coils. The coils include respective free ends
as well
as opposite ends having mounting elements; the mounting element of one coil is
mounted to one bracket while the mounting element of the other coil is mounted
to
the other adjacent element. One mounting element is mobile while the other
mounting element is fixed. Turning the mobile mounting element causes the coil
mounted thereto to turn thereby moving into or outward relative to the other
coil as
such pulling the adjacent brackets towards each other or pushing them away
from
each other. In another embodiment, the inter-bracket adjoining assembly
includes
a single flexible and resilient member secured to adjacent brackets and
interposed
therebetween that is when acted upon is compressed or extended thereby
applying
a torsion force which correspondingly modifies the inter-bracket distance.
[0074] Generally stated, in a non-exclusive embodiment thereof, the
present disclosure provides for an orthodontic bracket system with a front
opening
leading to a slot for receiving an indented portion therein or an arch wire
comprising
alternating outward and intended portion. The outward portion following the
dental
arcade when mounted to the teeth.
[0075] With reference to the appended drawings, illustrative embodiments
of the present disclosure will be described herein so as to exemplify the
disclosure
and in no way limit the scope thereof.
[0076] Figures 1 to 4 show a bracket 10 including a rear base 11 defining
a rear face 12, first and second portion 13 and 15, respectively, forwardly
extending
from the rear base 11 defining together define a front face 14 and lateral
sides 16
and 18 defined by walls. It should be noted that the expression "first" and
"second"
are only used for indicative purposes and as such as interchangeable. In this
example, the first and second portion 13 and 15 are top and bottom portions,
nevertheless in the example shown in Figures 10-17A, the second portion 15 is
the
top portion and the first portion 13 is the bottom portion. The foregoing is
determined
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by the vertical position of the bracket 10. When mounted to the teeth of the
upper
jaw, the bracket 10 will usually be positioned with the first portion being in
the
downward direction as shown in Figures 10-17A and when mounted to the teeth of
the lower jaw, the first portion 13 will be the top portion. The foregoing
positioning is
convenient as the orthodontic practitioner will have better access to the
adjustable
tightening element which will be described herein. Therefore, the terms "top"
and
"bottom" as used herein in relation to the bracket 10 and the parts thereof
only for
indicative purposes to facilitate description only and since there are two
optional
vertical positions the terms "top" and "bottom" are interchangeable in
relation to the
bracket 10.
[0077] The first portion 13 defines an end surface, in this example being a
top surface 20 and the second portion 15 defines an opposite end surface, in
this
example being a bottom surface 22. The first and second portions 13 and 15 are
spaced apart thereby defining a slot 24 therebetween. The rear base 11 and the
first
and second portions 13 and 15 define an inner surface 23.
[0078] The rear base 11 is configured to be secured to the face of a tooth
T via adhesive material S between the tooth T and the rear face 12 (see
Figures 10,
11, 13 and 17) .
[0079] The front face 14 of the bracket includes a front opening 25 leading
to slot 24. The slot 24 is configured to position an arch wire 26 therein (see
Figures
8, 8A, 10 and 11) and to receive this arch wire 26 via the front opening 25.
[0080] More specifically, the slot 24 has a front slot portion 24A and a rear
slot portion 24B; the rear slot portion 24B forms a tunnel. The front slot
portion 24A
is defined by top and bottom walls 28 and 30, respectively. The rear slot
portion 24B
is defined by the top wall 28 as well as a bottom wall 32 which is recessed
with
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respect to bottom wall 30, forming a slanted shoulder 34 therebetween and
finally,
the slot or tunnel 24B is defined by a back wall 36.
[0081] The arch wire 26 can be maintained in the rear portion 24B as
shown in Figures 12, 14-16 for example or in the front portion 24A as shown in
Figures 10 and 11.
[0082] The top surface 20 of a bracket 10 includes a top opening 38 that
leads to a top floor 40 including a hole 42. Hole 42 is circumscribed by a
treaded
wall 44 and leads into slot 24. The opening 38 as well as the hole 42 provide
for an
adjustable tightening element such as receiving a set screw 46 (see Figure 5).
Figure 5A shows that the set screw 46 includes a head 48 as well as a threaded
body 50 depending therefrom. The threaded body 50 mutually mates with the
threaded wall 44. The underside or shoulder 52 of the screw head 48 abuts the
top
floor 40. The set screw head 48 includes top engaging elements 54 which allow
the
orthodontic practitioner to move the body 50 into or out of the hole 42. The
bottom
end 55 of the threaded body 50 protrudes from the hole 42 into the slot 24 in
order to
engage the arch wire 26. In this way the set screw 46 is a tightening element
which
functions to add a tightening force or tension against the wire 26.
[0083] The top opening 38 of the top portion 13 is contiguous with a top
rear opening formed 39 (Figure 4) in the rear base 11. Furthermore, the bottom
portion 15 includes a bottom portion opening 41 (Figure 2A) that is contiguous
with a
bottom rear opening formed 43 (Figure 4) in the rear base 11 opening. In this
way,
the orthodontic practitioner can place the bracket 10 on a tooth T and through
openings 38, 39, 41 and 43 and apply an adhesive substance S between the rear
face 12 and the tooth T via the front face 14, more particularly by injecting
this
adhesive substance via the front openings 38 and 41. The foregoing
configuration
provides for injecting the adhesive substance through the bracket 10, which
allows
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for molding the intrados directly in the mouth without intimate contact of the
bracket
and the tooth T. The bracket is maintained in the proper position by way of
bracket transfer splints and a screw which is released when the adhesive
substance
has sufficiently polymerized.
5 [0084] With respect to Figures 1, 1A, 2, 2A, 3 and 4, the lateral sides 16
and 18 include respective side openings 56 shown, in this example, having c-
shaped
configurations which are mirror images of each other. The openings 56 provide
for
the arch wire 26 to extend therethrough. Each opening 56 includes an outer
portion
58 adjacent an inner slot 60 formed within the inner surface 23 of the bracket
10.
10 The outer portions 58 defines a c-shaped wall 62 having a top portion 62T a
bottom
portion 62B and a rear wall portion 62R. The inner slot 60 defines a c-shapes
wall
66 that recessed relative to c-shaped wall 62. The bottom walls 30, 32, the
back wall
36 and the top wall 28 define an internal c-shaped structure 64. A wall 68 is
defined
between the recessed wall 66 and the c-shaped structure 64. A wall 70 is
defined
between the c-shaped walls 62 and 66.
[0085] The inner slot 60 is delimited by spaced apart adjacent c-shaped
side walls 68 and 70.
[0086] The openings 56 provide for mounting the bracket 10 to inter-
bracket adjoining assemblies 72.
[0087] With reference to Figure 8 there is shown an orthodontic bracket
system D comprising an inter-bracket adjoining assembly 72 comprises a pair of
inter-bracket adjoining elements 73A and 73B mounted respective at each side
of
bracket 10. More particularly, adjoining elements 73A and 73B (which define
the
assembly 72) of adjacent brackets 10' and 10" comprise respective coils, in
this
example spring coils 74A and 74B, which are intertwined. Each spring coil 74A
and
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74B includes a respective mounting element 76A and 76B (see Figures 7 and 6)
at
one end thereof and a free opposite end 78. The mounting elements 76A and 76B
include openings 77 for the arch wire 26. As will be described below, mounting
element 76A is an immobile element mounting element 76B is a mobile element.
[0088] With reference to Figure 7, mounting element 76B includes three
portions, namely inner portions 80, median portion 82 and external portion 84.
Inner
portion 80 has a circular element that is rotatably inserted within the inner
c-shaped
slot portion 60. Median portion 82 also has a circular configuration and
rotatably
engages inner c-shaped wall 66. External portion 84 has a hexagonal
configuration
that abuts the side wall 18 with the coil 74B mounted thereto.
[0089] The orthodontist can engage the external portion 84 for rotation of
the coil 74A or 74B. As shown in the embodiment of Figure 13 (which will be
discussed below), the external portion 84' may include engaging elements 85
(in the
form of spokes) which allow the orthodontist to have better control of the
degree of
rotation.
[0090] With reference to Figure 6, the mounting element 76A includes an
inner portion 86 having a rectangular configuration for being inserted in slot
60, a
median circular portion 88 for engaging wall 66 and an outer circular portion
90
abutting side wall 16 and having the coil 74A mounted thereto. Given the
rectangular
configuration of the inner portion 86, the mounting element 76A is immobile
and the
coil 74A is not rotatable.
[0091] The arch wire 26 is fitted through the coils 74A and 74B as well as
the openings 77 of the mounting element 76A and 76B.
[0092] Turning to Figure 8, the coil 78B can be turned in order to move
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inwardly into the coil 78A or outwardly therefrom. In this way, the distance
between
the brackets 10' and 10' can be determined in a much more controlled matter.
The
bracket 10 includes one lateral side 16 having a fixed coil 74A and another
lateral
side 18 having a mobile or rotatable coil 74B. When the brackets 10 are
mounted to
the teeth T of a patient, the adjacent coils of adjacent brackets are
intertwined. More
specifically, the mobile coil 74B of a bracket 10' and the immobile coil 74A
of an
adjacent bracket 10" are intertwined thereby defining the inter-bracket
adjoining
assembly 72.
[0093] The coils 74A and 74B are intertwined about the central arch wire
26 and thus provide for modifying the distance between two adjacent brackets
10. If
the orthodontist wishes to increase this distance, the coils (74A, 74B) are
compressed between the teeth T and the brackets 10. The orthodontist will thus
turn
the coils (74A, 74B) in the appropriate direction and hence, the intertwined
portion "I"
(see Figure 8) between the two coils is decreased. If on the other hand, the
orthodontist wishes to increase the distance between the brackets 10 (and
consequently between a pair of adjacent teeth T) the passive length "P" (see
Figure
8) or non-intertwined portion of the adjacent coils 74A and 74B must be
shorter thus
increasing the intertwined portion "I", hence this will increase the tension
between
the two coils 74A and 74B. The length of the coils 74A and 74B will be cut by
the
orthodontist during the orthodontic procedure according to the patient's
needs.
[0094] For example, a distance of 10mm between two brackets 10 can be
managed by two coils of 7mm each with a common intertwined portion "I" of 4mm.
If
the orthodontist wishes to increase the inter-bracket distance, the
intertwined portion
can be reduced to 2mm, as such the coils will be turned so as to untwine 2mm,
and
allow 6mm of passive or non-intertwined portions "P" at each side of the
portion "I"
for a total of 12mm of passive length between two adjacent brackets 10. The
inter-
bracket distance can also be decreased thus bringing adjacent teeth T closer
together by increasing the intertwined portion to 6mm by way of twining the
coils into
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each other as previously explained.
[0095] The flexibility of the coils 74A and 74B between a pair of brackets
allows them to follow the dental arcade of the teeth T they are resting on
(see
Figures 10 and 11) all the while allowing the arch wire 26 within the coils
74A and
5 74B and the brackets 10 to align the teeth T.
[0096] Turning now to Figure 8A, there is shown an orthodontic bracket
system D' comprising an inter-bracket adjoining assembly 72' which includes a
flexible and resilient member provided in the form of a single coil 74
connected at
one end thereof to a mounting element 76A which mounted to one bracket 10" and
10 at the opposite end thereof to a mounting element 76B which is mounted to
an
adjacent bracket 10'. In this embodiment, the inter-bracket distance is acted
upon
not by varying or modifying the distance of the inter-bracket adjoining
assembly but
by the torsion of the coil 74. The movable mounting element 76B can be turned
to
increase the torsion force of the coil 74 thereby bringing two teeth T closer.
More
specifically, the coil 74 can be compressed thereby pushing against the two
adjacent
brackets 10' and 10" and consequently increasing the inter-bracket distance,
or
extended thereby pulling the two adjacent brackets 10' and 10" thereby
decreasing
the inter-bracket distance.
[0097] With respect to Figure 9, a bracket 10 can be isolated by including
an insert 96 within the slot 24 that is flanked by locking elements 98 and 99
and an
extension 97 (in another embodiment the extension is removed); as such a
bracket
10 can be isolated. Insert 96 provides for keeping the slot 24 free of
adhesive
substance when adhering or anchoring the bracket 10 onto a tooth T.
[0098] Turning to Figures 10 to 13 there is shown an orthodontic bracket
system D" comprising a plurality of brackets 10 mounted to teeth T via an
adhesive
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substance S, certain adjacent brackets are adjoined together by inter-bracket
adjoining assemblies 92. It should be noted that the orthodontic systems of
the
present disclosure do not require that every pair of adjacent brackets 10 be
adjoined
via the adjoining assemblies disclosed herein. The orthodontic practitioner
will
decide which pairs need adjoining based on the selected treatment.
[0099] The inter-bracket adjoining assembly 92 can be made of a pair of
intertwined coils, a flexible and resilient member such as a single coil or a
tubular
structure provided the foregoing can increase or decrease the distance and
tension
between a pair of adjacent brackets 10 and consequently the teeth to which
these
brackets are mounted to.
(00100] Since the brackets 10 are mounted to the teeth of the top jaw the
surface 20 with the opening 38 which provides access to the set screw is
downwardly positioned making it more convenient for the orthodontic
practitioner to
adjust the set screw 46 and as such, the first portion 13 is a bottom portion
and the
second portion 15 is a top portion.
[00101] Figures 10-13 show various possible scenarios of setting up the
present system to a patient.
[00102] In Figures 10 and 11, the arch wire 26' is positioned in front of the
inter-bracket adjoining assembly 92 and as such in the front slot portion 24A.
Alternatively, the adjoining assemblies 92 may also include an arch wire
therethrough (see 26 in stippled line in Figure 11) and as such the arch wire
26' is an
additional wire. Finally, as can be contemplated by Figures 12 and 13, there
is only
one arch wire 26 mounted in the rear slot portion 124B and through the
adjoining
assemblies 92.
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[00103] A locking mechanism 100, shown in Figure 13, can also be
inserted in the slot 24. The locking mechanism 100 includes an insert 102
positioned within the slot 24 as well as stoppers 104 at each side thereof
that
engage the spokes 85 thereby immobilizing the mounting element 83 from
rotating.
5 [00104] The disclosed system facilitates anchorage of the brackets 10
allowing for a more controlled distribution of the tension force on the teeth
while
providing for the ability to decrease the tension force caused by anchorage
thus
avoiding displacement of teeth that do not need to be corrected. For example,
in
Figure 10, teeth T1, T2 and T3, respectively need a minor correction, no
correction
10 and moderate correction, the present system provides for achieving such
results with
great efficiency.
[00105] The foregoing can better be illustrated with reference to Figures 12
and 14 to 16. Figures 12 and 16 and show an anchored bracket 10, which means
that the set screw 46 is moved inwardly to add enough tension against the
15 rectangularly shaped wire 26 which sandwiches and thereby fastesn the wire
26
against the inner surface 23 of the bracket 10. Thus rigidly locking the
bracket 10
and the wire 26 together. Figure 14 shows a similar setting to Figures 12 and
16,
yet in this case the wire 26 is tubular, such wires are used at the beginning
of
orthodontic treatment to provide alignment. Figure 15 on the other hand shows
a
20 non-anchored wire 26 which is obliquely positioned but is not rigidly
fastened within
the bracket 10, thereby it can easily transversely slide along the inner
surface 23 of
the bracket 10.
[00106] Turning now to Figures 16-22, there is shown an orthodontic
bracket system D"' comprising a plurality of brackets 10 mounted to teeth T of
the
upper jaw J as well as an arch wire 110 mounted to the brackets 10.
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[00107] The arch wire 110 shown in Figure 22 includes a main body 112
having opposite free ends 111 and 113 with a plurality of spaced apart
indentations
114 in the form inwardly curved notches thereby providing alternating outward
portions 116 and indented portion 114. The outward portions 116 are curved so
as
to follow the dental arcade of the teeth T they are resting on, as is well
known in the
art. The indented portions 114 are fitted into the brackets 10, within the
slot 24, via
their front face openings 25. The configuration of the wire 110 can provide
that the
wire 110 does not need to extend through the openings 56 of the lateral sides
16 and
18 of the bracket 10. In fact, the elbows or joints 118 formed between the
wire
portions 114 and 116 may extend only through the front face opening 25 to
provide
for indented portion 114 to be inserted within the slot. Alternatively, the
elbows 118
and directly adjacent areas of the outward portion 116 may in fact cross
through the
openings 56 as shown in this example.
[00108] In one embodiment, the arch wire 110 is a shape-memory wire.
[00109] The width of the lateral side openings 56 of each bracket can be
decreased by way of a bracket insert 120 better shown in Figures 21 and 22
which is
mounted to the bracket via the slot 24 and openings 25 and 56 as shown in
Figure
18.
[00110] More particularly and with reference to Figures 18, 19, 21, and 22,
the insert 120 includes a main platform 122 that is inserted within the slot
24 and
sandwiched between the bracket inner wall 30 and the set screw 46. It should
be
noted that the insert 120 can be held in place without the use of the set
screw 46.
The platform is flanked by lateral wings 124 having lateral walls 126 which
when
inserted within the brackets 10 are contiguous with walls 16 or 18. The
lateral wings
125 include first fin structures 128 having offset outer and inner walls 130
and 132
which respectively mate with the bracket inner walls 62B and 66B defined by
the slot
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60. The lateral wings 124 also include second fin structures 134 which have
offset
outer and inner walls 136 and 138 which respectively mate with the bracket
inner
walls 62T and 66T defined by the slot 60. Furthermore, the inner peripheral
walls
140 of each second fin structure 134 are recessed so as to provide a space for
the
inward notch 114 of the arch wire 110. The front ends 142 of the second fin
structures 134 are inwardly recessed thereby providing clearance or opening
156 for
the arch wire 110 that is substantially smaller than opening 56 (see Figure
17A).
The foregoing structure provides for decreasing the width of the lateral side
openings
56.
[00111] The notch or indented portion 114 circumscribes the set screw 46.
Portion 46 can be maintained within the bracket 10 via the set screw or
ligatures as
is known in the art.
[00112] Figures 23, 24 and 25 show a bracket 160 that is similarly
constructed to bracket 10 and as such only the differences will be highlighted
for
concision purposes only. In this case the front opening 162 is smaller than
the front
opening 25 and is configuratively contiguous with the lateral side openings
164 of the
sides 18 and 16 thereby providing a common slit 166 which leads to the inner
slot
24.
[00113] Figure 26 shows another embodiment of an orthodontic bracket
system D"" comprising a plurality of orthodontic brackets 202 mounted to teeth
T as
well as an arch wire 204 mounted to the brackets 202. Each bracket 202
includes an
outer shell member 206 with a C-shaped member 208 mounted therein and forming
the opening 210 for receiving the arch wire 204. Each bracket 202 includes top
and
bottom holes 212 and 214 respectively for top and bottom set screws 216 and
218
respectively for gripping and releasing the arch wire 204 therebetween.
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[00114] Process of manufacture
[00115] The various brackets disclosed herein can be injection molded with
various biocompatible materials including metal, plastic resin as well as
other
suitable materials known in the art. Of course, the brackets can also be
produced by
partial or complete machining. A pair of brackets can be made out of metal;
more
particularly the centre or core can be metallic including the set screw with
the rest of
the body being formed or molded with plastic, resin and assembled onto the
core.
The brackets can be mounted on dental prefabricated laboratory models at the
intrados can be a composite of these models, which can then be adhered to
teeth
within the mouth of the patient while using conventional processes.
[00116] Methodology of using the orthodontic systems.
[00117] The systems disclosed herein can be installed directly on the teeth
of the patient by conventional methods, such as direct bonding or indirectly
by using
models (i.e. with a set up of uncorrected teeth) and then transferred to the
mouth. .
Another method, which is more precise, is to use numeric positioning via
virtual
model. (cad cam) and then to transfer the positioned brackets to the mouth via
bracket transfer splints by cad or traditional methods.
[00118] The brackets and systems disclosed herein can be used with
conventional arch wires and conventional treatment techniques can also be used
The treatment approach can be buccal or lingual or any combination thereof
including InvisalignTM
[00119] The system includes a plurality of advantages, such as using na
more precise wire that provides faster and more comfortable treatment all the
while
avoiding friction with greater inter bracket angulatio. The shape memory wire
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provides better alignment control and is more efficient all the while applying
low
biomechanical as it it more accurately positioned on the dental arcade.
[00120] The various features described hereinabove can be combined in a
variety of suitable ways, as the skilled artisan will readily appreciate, so
as to provide
further embodiments within the scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore,
it is to
be understood that the disclosure is not limited in its application to the
details of
construction and parts illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described
hereinabove. The disclosure is capable of other embodiments and of being
practiced
in various ways. It is also to be understood that the phraseology or
terminology used
herein is for the purpose of description and not limitation. Hence, although
the
present disclosure has been described hereinabove by way of embodiments
thereof, it
can be modified, without departing from the spirit, scope and nature of the
subject
disclosure.
